Thumbs Up!! The Crewcuts 2011 Long Powder Puffer.

Finally, my official Crewcuts by J.Crew Puffer Jacket review...


Within the last week I received a huge J.Crew box with my daughter's long anticipated Girls Crewcuts Long Powder Puffer Jacket!  Yip Yip Yippee! If you have read any of my previous posts, you know my crazy obsession with this dandy little puffer jacket.


Initially, I wanted to get her the Cobblestone color, but she loves blue and begged for the Navy Blue powder puffer.  Last year she wore a Gap Warmest long parka in a champagne color, and although it was very nice, it got dirtier and dirtier as each day passed.  I was washing it at least once a week.  Sigh.  So, we ordered the Navy Blue at my daughter's request and my first impression was - WOW!


I was so excited to open the box, and when I did I was pleasantly surprised.  From the picture online the blue seemed a bit 'too blue' for me.  Meaning, I thought it would be a brighter navy, not the awesome navy it truly is.  As I ripped open the plastic packaging, I was thrilled that the navy is dark - a cross between navy blue and black.  It is stunning!  Here is my little darling wearing her winter gear for Winter 2011/2012:

Crewcuts 2011 Girls Long Powder Puffer in Navy Blue
$128.00

The Crewcuts Girls Long Powder Puffer is worth every penny spent.  The style has a very girly look with the grosgrain sash that slides through 2 loops to form a bow or just a knotted sash.  This makes the jacket classy and sweet.  I already have visions of changing up the sash with different colors for a stylish twist. Also of note is two subtle pin-tucks in the the chest area for even more feminine definition, and two side pockets. 

This jacket is a soft, yet thick, down filled puffer.  Even though it is a puffer, the jacket is not too poofy -  it has just the right amount of down to still give it a somewhat streamlined effect.   My daughter is 3.5 yrs. old and 41 inches, so, we went with the girls size 4-5, according to the J.Crew sizing guidelines.  Overall, the jacket fits very well, with plenty of room for growing.  J.Crew has the right idea by allowing a little more extra room at each size, for 2-3 to 14.

Here are the important points:

• Length - falls to the right above the knee.  This is my favorite length for the very cold, blustery, snowy weather.  The tush stays warm and the upper legs are toasty, too.  I don't know about you, but I have no tolerance for cold air zipping up my back on a frigid day.  Yay for the long puffer jacket!

• Sleeve length - Not too long and not too short.  Perfect!  They even have a snow barrier layer on the inside of the sleeves.  No snow or cold air is getting though this adorable monster of a jacket!

• Hood - the hood is attached and is plain, no fur.  Thank goodness because I think the fur is becoming dated and too busy.  The hood fits on the head well, but their are no strings.  It fell off fast, but we wear hats instead anyway - so this wasn't a big deal for us.  

• Inside - the main body is covered in a very warm fleece - and I mean seriously warm.  Being in a cold weather area, this is probably the main selling point for most parents.  Combine the thick fleece lining with the goose down and this is easily a jacket that can withstand temperatures well below freezing.  Also on the inside is a small area with This Belongs To... for personalizing with your child's name.  Many jackets I see have pockets on the inside for a cell phone, iPod, etc. for the older kids, but this one does not.  Please note that in case this is an important feature for you.

• Closure  - the jacket contains both a zipper and a snap overlay.  This is a double barrier to keep the body warm when that wind is whipping.  The zipper has a matching grosgrain loop attached for easy grabbing and the snap are heavy duty.  The snaps actually go all the way up to the chin for neck warmth - so scarf needed here!  My daughter was able to snap a couple herself, but they are a bit tricky for the preschooler age.  But, then again, I don't have the expectation that a child this age has mastered this skill.  That is what Mom and Dad are for, right?

The warmth of this Crewcuts Powder Puffer Jacket is exceptional.  I put my arm through the sleeve and within a minute or so, my arm was noticeably warmer. My daughter wore it for 10 minutes and said to felt soft and 'roasty toasty'.   I am beyond happy with the Crewcuts Long Powder Puffer and would recommend this for any girl living in a very cold winter climate.  J.Crew has taken the warmth of this jacket seriously, and the classy style is a major added bonus.  By far, this is the most sweet, stylish and preppy puffer jacket for girls on the market right now.  This powder puffer is going to be our running around town jacket for the winter season.  J.Crew has one happy, happy customer in the eastern Great Lakes!

Bring on the lake effect snow and blizzard conditions - we are really ready now!

Thumbs Down! J.Crew Tissue Tee.

The roller coaster weather in the Fall, especially is the Northeast, can have you wearing shorts and a cute tee one day, skinny jeans and a trench coat the next. And, who doesn't love a well fitted trench?


Well, I have the same feeling when it comes to long sleeve tees this time of year.  I like mine to be figure flattering and fitted, not unshapely and slouchy.  For the past few years I have bought the picture perfect tissue tee from J.Crew.  I love the way it looks in the J.Crew catalog and online - just looking at this beautifully fitted tee makes me want to order more online...    

But, I won't.  Every year I get sucked into buying this perfect looking tissue tee in fabulous rich jewel tones and wear-with-everything neutrals.  

The fabric is thin and lightweight, hence the name - tissue tee.  Surprisingly, I find it warm when layered under a cardigan or another tee.  The arm length and torso length are a bit on the longer side, but I like that in a tee - it makes the layering look modern and fresh.

Now the bad news, and it is B.A.D.  Because this tee has no lycra, it looses its shape quickly and in an ugly way.  The first 20 minutes or so are glorious - until you start moving around and the stretching begins.  The waist area balloons out, and the sleeves from the elbow down resemble parachute pants from the 'stylish' 1980's.  Let's all take a moment of silence as we remember those good 'ol days.  (wink, wink)  

Another thing I have noticed is that small holes appear in the fabric after a few washes.  I wash the tissue tee according to the J.Crew care label, so I find this unacceptable from such a quality retailer.  

I understand that this J.Crew tissue tee is primarily a layering piece, but who wants an overstretched under layer that is sprouting little holes wherever it gets a little tugged or pulled.  Not me!  And to wear it alone, all I can say is...yikes.

This year I have vowed to myself to not get sucked into the beautiful looking picture on J.Crew.com by remembering my unsightly figure in this tee. Sigh.

J.Crew should really consider adding a little lycra so this tissue tee hugged the body more closely.  The theory of a lightweight tissue tee is great, but the reality is a boxy, overstretched layering piece.  If J.Crew tweaked the make of this a little, it could easily be a little hot number for us stylish women.  Oh, and while you are at it J.Crew, the v-neck tissue tee's are not made for anyone that is larger than an A bra cup size.  It is hard to dress classy and professional when you are "Little Miss I See All Your Cleavage".  Throw us a bone, lovely J.Crew designers.   

Yippee! J.Crew Listens to their Customers!

Last year I bought Crewcuts by J.Crew girls solid somersault leggings because I liked all the fantastic colors they were offering - neutrals and vibrants.   I was pleased to open the package and see the the colors were just what I expected, the feel was soft and stretchy, and the fit was true to size.  I was disappointed to discover that after a few wears, the waistband stretched permanently and my little toddler was a slave to picking up here leggings every time she bent over, sat, or just walked a short distance.  I have visions of her looking like a little rap star if she was was to be wearing these while playing on the playground if she was in school.


As I was checking out J.Crew's sale last weekend, I took a glance at their other leggings and pleasantly found this  - redesigned Crewcuts somersault leggings!  Holy cowsers!  I know I sent their Crewcuts expert, Melanie, an email regarding the poor waistband on these leggings, and I am guessing a legion of other mom's did the same exact thing.

Here is photo of the leggings in a vibrant reddish-orange that goes by the name - 'eternal flame' - and a little description of the new somersault leggings fit and feel.  Yippee!

You asked for it, you got it: our littlest leggings (sizes 2 and 3) now have a whole new fit and feel, which means playtime has never been comfier. Plus, all our sizes have a thicker, sturdier waistband she's sure to be head over heels for (on the monkey bars, that is). Cotton/Lycra® spandex jersey. Elastic waistband. Import. Machine wash.

Crewcuts Somersault leggings $16.50

Thank You J.Crew for listening to your customers and making a semi-good product a FIVE-STAR wardrobe staple!  We received ours a few days ago and the fit around the waist is sturdy and well fitting.  After a couple hours of wear running around the park, they held their shape beautifully - a big difference from last year's legging.  


What I like besides the colors, feel and now fit, is that wash after wash, the colors was retained and there was no piling whatsoever.  


Here is two thumbs-up to the team at J.Crew for trusting the feedback from their buyers and giving great customer service.

Budget Shopper: Get a Crewcuts Look at a Target Store Price

When you really think about all the clothes you buy every year (more if you have to wardrobe kids through four seasons) - how often does your child wear those items?  Chances are, there are a handful of favorites that get worn routinely, while others are lucky to get a wear or two.  I have learned the past few years the beauty of mixing and matching.  I think kids look adorable when their outfits are not match-matchy.  


I love Crewcuts clothes for girls.  If you have glanced at other posts I have written, you will soon see that I love the classy, girly, yet kid-like look at Crewcuts.  Most of the time though, I don't like the price.  I will splurge on a jacket (I bought my 3 yr old the Crewcuts powder puffer), but I wait for a lot of the items to go on sale.  I frequent other stores looking for Crewcuts look-a-likes.  Some of my favorite stores for 'Crewcut knockoff's" are Target, Old Navy, Gap and Carter's.  


In this installment of Budget Shopper, I focus on a handful of items I found at Target this Fall of 2011 that mimic the preppy, Crewcut wardrobe essentials. Here are some Target clothes that look like J.Crew's Crewcuts...


First is this classic striped cardigan sweater.  It is lightweight in feel, but with layering over a tee or tank, will be prefect for chilly days at the bus stop or a playdate at the park.  

The ruffles around the neckline are modern yet girly, and the contrasting white piping around the neckline and buttons make it look more than the $14.99 on the price tag. Pair it with a bright skirt, colorful leggings, or casual jeans and ballet flats.  This runs a bit small, so size up by one.

My next Target favorite is this heather brown cardigan with hot pink flowers on the upper left chest.

This runs true to size, with a little more extra room thrown in.  I can picture this with a tulle skirt and footless leggings.  Are you seeing the resemblance to Crewcuts here? Absolutely, Iam!  Again, this little number goes for $14.99! 

As I was browsing the toddler clothing section at Target, I came across these other gems.  Here are a few of my choices....drumroll, please.

What I like about all these pieces is their simplicity.  They can be paired with each other for an handful of practical outfits.  All you need are some basic tee's, tights, leggings, ballet flats, or boots.  All these pieces (shown) together cost less than $85.00!  

So, while you may not have the budget for a Crewcuts wardrobe, it is easy to find those preppy and classy pieces at Target for a fraction of the cost.  And, who doesn't love a GREAT deal?

I have been guilty of overbuying for my daughter, but after packing away clothes that she never wore, or never even had a chance to wear, I am more aware of buying pieces that all work together.  That means I buy less, but am able to have more outfits!  The best part of that is I end up having more money to spend on a fabulous Crewcuts sale!!